The purpose of this document is to inform the British Columbia Ministers of Environment, Lands and Parks and Employment and Investment of the views of the British Columbia Greenhouse Gas Forum in preparation for federal-provincial discussions on current international negotiations towards a climate change treaty. This report was adopted by the Forum on September 3, 1997. As new information is continually becoming available and international positions are continually evolving, this report should be regarded as a snapshot in time given present information and positions.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the global average temperature is expected to rise by 1-3.5"C by 2100, with an associated increase in sea level of 15-95 cm. Nevertheless, significant uncertainties remain about the nature, extent, timing, reversibility, and distribution of the potential impacts of climate change. Greenhouse gas emissions are primarily the result of fossil fuel use, and are closely linked to economic and demographic activity. Decoupling emissions from economic and population growth represents a significant challenge for all countries. For Canada to meet post-2000 emission targets would require significant adjustments to the Canadian and BC economies, adjustments that would see major shifts away from fossil fuel-intensive and fossil fuel-producing activities.
Within the Forum, and in the wider community, there is a wide variation in views on: a) the appropriate target and timetable for reductions; b) how difficult it would be for Canada and BC to make these adjustments; and c)whether or not these adjustments could also provide economic, social and environmental benefits.

British Columbia Greenhouse Gas Forum. 1997. British Columbia Greenhouse Gas Forum Report to the Minister of Environment, Lands and Parks and the Minister of Employment and Investment on the Elements of the Kyoto International Climate Change Protocol

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